Pinterest Warning

Warning! Warning! Pinterest users!

Those of you who have discovered   Pinterest already know of it’s addictive nature. What you may not know yet, however, is its ability to inspire.

I am a fairly new member and this weekend was driven to redecorate. Images of what I had seen on Pinterest boards earlier in the week came to mind and I was unable to resist the temptation.

Switching out the bed in our guest room, we put together the antique headboard that had been in the garage for years. Oh no! A  deep scratch! Wait; I know what to do… what was it? Quick - check out household tips of your Pinterest followers boards for the solution. Yes! A walnut meat. Strange but true, rubbing the walnut over the gouge concealed the damage enough to celebrate.

The guest room is shaping up nicely.

You have been warned.

 

 

Flickr Tags: Pinterest,Facebook,Twitter,Google Plus,LinkedIn,Niki Chanel,household tips

For the Love of Romance… and Wine

Too many people seem to think that Romance novels are all about sex. If that were the case, only Erotica would be considered romantic.

Writing sex, however is not my forte; in fact, I don't think of myself as a Romance writer. Rather I’m apt to weave romance throughout the story. Romance, the way I see it is about being aware of sensuality, both in one's self and in the world around them.

For example, a romantic interlude between a couple from my favourite story might have you leaning across the picnic table for the salt and the person you have heartache for but won't give you the time of day also reaches; your hands touch... your eyes meet. Then BANG! Birds rush from trees in fright, guests stand in shock, a drink falls over. The moment is lost - but not forgotten.

That table, however, will undoubtedly be laden with a Mediterranean feast of vegetables, olives and the all important wine. This, to me, is the essence of romance… relaxing time together with the ones I love.

Colour me old-fashioned if you must, but my definition of romance is more about sensuality than about sex.

In a story, as in life, If and or when togetherness becomes sexual, the beginning of the end must be near. The relationship is doomed to some kind of change. Either the passion peter’s out or the marriage becomes comfortable; either way the electricity of anticipation and mutual magnetic desire to seduce each other becomes diminished. The couple will have to work harder to keep the love alive: house, kids, love of work...

To my mind, this tenuous affection is a God-given magic; the magic of someone’s attention can make you feel beautiful and wanted. When you feel that kind of good, you are in the state of grace they talk about in Regencies, but notice it's all too often in a 'don't touch' sort of way. The attention you crave is wrapped up in hope - hope that you will see the heartthrob again, hope for that deep, timeless eye contact again; hope you will feel beautiful and wanted again. You anticipate. You hope. You romance.

That’s why the wine is so important. Remember the wine? It was on the table with the pesto noodles.

It's not there to quench your thirst. It's more like a lesson in lovemaking. It makes you pay attention to it. It fills your senses with romance, delivering a bouquet of gifts from the garden, a bright red ruby to put in your hand and dives in for a teenager's kiss when you take it into your mouth. If a secret love is nearby, it's an ice breaker. If the lover is known to you, eye contact becomes a promise. Anticipation. Those intense moments of passion leading up to the act is where the romance lives.

And for those who find no partner, there's always that glass of the sublime elixir to be your tour guide of the world, pointing out the beauty and meaning of life, and you fall in love with the knowledge and your experience. Somehow Mother Nature has created a love potion – a liquid lesson in appreciation.

After a sip or two of a rich Burgundy, any moon is gorgeous, the flowering tree is a marvel and the birds are speaking a language you can almost understand; your senses have been unveiled. You are in the throws of Romance.

If you doubt me, just try stargazing with a Coke Cola or an energy drink and see how magical that is. Those drinks force you to pay attention, but to a different tune… because the romance is missing.

There's that word again.

Hey, I have an idea; let’s go pour a glass of pinot and I’ll show you what I mean.

 

 

 

LiveJournal Tags: LiveJournal Tags: Romance,wine,Niki Chanel,Mediterranean diet,pinot

Invitation from the Muse

I was reading an Amazon 'look inside' from a book titled "Secrets of the Sommelier's" and learned that the celebrated Kevin Zraly operates his wine tasting classes, "Windows on the World Wine School" at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square, NYC. He probably holds court in the same rotating bar where I recently spent an evening with writer's Trish Albright, Chellesie B. Dancer, Lorenzo Monterossa and Christine London drinking and telling bizarre stories.

How cool is that?! An internationally famous wine event in the same place as the Romance Writer’s of America 2011 conference. Had we only known, thousands of romance authors could have brought together the intrigue of the written word and my wine Muse would have rejoiced!

Still, all was not lost; my sister was visiting the Big Apple on business from London, England during the same week of the convention. She and I share a passion for pinot noir and throughout our week we drank several rapturous reds. And why not? Wikipedia quotes Joel Fleischman of Vanity Fair describing pinot noir as "the most romantic of wines, with so voluptuous a perfume, so sweet an edge, and so powerful a punch that, like falling in love, they make the blood run hot and the soul wax embarrassingly poetic." Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon calls pinot "sex in a glass".

My romantic sentiments, exactly.

I’m guessing that Christine Ashworth, writer of paranormal, young adult, and urban-fantasy romance would agree; reading her blog I often glean tid-bits and advice about wine. Though she seems to prefer rosé, it occurred to me that wine is really all about sharing. Even when we drink alone, we are among compatriots – members of an appreciators club. Wine drinkers seldom imbibe to get drunk; we sip the drink to slip into a gentler world of insight and relaxation. As writer’s we are after communion - a chance to get closer to the storytelling lips of our muses and hear their tales. The bottle does not disappoint - it’s as though an inter-dimensional portal to this ‘other place’ of the delicate arts is poured into our glass. Wine will not leave you like a straying mate; it will take you, the muse seeking teleportee, by the hand and point out highlights in the landscape.

Hmm… maybe I don’t need to read the rest of the book; I may already know the secret: wine delivers the invitation from the muse, its drinker to a realm of romance. It’s grace in a glass.

 

 

I think this wonderful promo image for the new musical ‘Wine Lovers’ says it all. They appear to be each others muse. Now showing at Muriel's Cabaret Theatre located in Le Petit Theatre at 616 St. Peter Street in New Orleans. Tickets are $59, which includes six tastings of wines. To learn more and to purchase tickets, go to www.lepetittheatre.com or www.wineloversthemusical.com.

P.S. Couldn’t help myself - 'Secrets of the Sommelier’s is on its way to my wine cellar.

Technorati Tags: Wine,Niki Chanel,Secrets of the Sommelier's,RWA,Romance Writer's of America,Marriott Marquis Hotel,The View,Times Square,pinot noir,chablis,Larry Stone,Kevin Zraly,World on then World Wine School,Trish Albright,Chellesie B. Dancer,Lorenzo Monterossa,Christine London,Christine Ashworth,Wine Lovers - the play,romance,New Orleans

EPICon 2009 in Las Vegas

30 June - 3 August

Las Vegas, NV: Montelago Village at Lake Las Vegas is beautiful, serene and elegant in a Mediterranean sort of way.

No flashing lights, no huge crowds 24/7, no trash, no noise. Idyllic for a week in the desert with fellow electronic published writer's and cover designers. Elite. The Village hoists the hotel and the hotel supplies the Village with its population of eager patrons.

EPICon is only open to electronically published authors and published digital cover artists so there is a feeling of being elite among peers. Classes are lively and full of insider information. One gets a chance to meet the faces behind the e-mails and websites and ask that question that's been lurking about just how dark is that person that writes the horror you love.

I did meet several fascinating individuals that I will remain in touch with regarding horror and sensual genres. Take, for example, Wrath James White. Second day into workshops, this black beauty sits down next to me. By lunchtime I know all about his newest pet project - KillerCon, a new convention for horror writer's. Only one rule: you must have killed at least one character. This guy is way too nice to be a horror writer, though apparently is good at it. I don't as yet have the nerve to venture into the world of blood and evil, but this tale about a nonhuman that falls for the girl next door, is intriguing because he wants to have the pleasure of killing her! But wait! He brings her back to life...and kills her again. Repeat. Too creepy. Wrath, however, is so not creepy - handsome, intelligent engaging, creative...he's a keeper; simply excellent cool.

 

 

LiveJournal Tags: Montelago Village,Las Vegas,Niki Chanel,EPICon,KillerCon

What to Pack for the Caribbean

Anne Kemp has some great advice for that Caribbean island vacation. Click on her name to read her suggestions.

Anne is an author showcased at Premier Digital Publishing. 
The prequel to her debut novel Rum Punch Regrets is out, called All Fruits Ripe. Rum Punch will be out in May of this year. Both books will be available on Nook AND Kindle.


Prequel! I love the idea!

Life Without Internet Access

*GASP* I clutch at my head; eyes wild, mouth open in the ever famous silent scream. How am I going to conduct business, research plot lines and characters, check for business hours and directions? I’m lost and depressed; alone and scoffed at by peers.

I race to Starbucks and libraries. I make a nuisance of myself at friends.

“Can I mooch off your WiFi, pleeease? I’ll bring Cheetos…

After a few days I start waking up. Repairs will take a while as the phone company found an anomaly with our line. Once the tranquilizers take effect, I see things in my environment I was oblivious to before, like what’s happening in the kitchen… who are these people and what are they doing in my home? Oh yeah – family.

We get reacquainted.

Gardening gets done, spring sunshine feels like a Mediterranean holiday. Laundry, tidying, reading, neighbourhood walks… even art projects abandoned since Christmas are completed.

Oh look, the cat’s had kittens!

Then the repairman arrives. Oh, Caloo Calais. My computer is reconnected to the planet hum. I email my online friends and tell the world I’m back.

Crap. Spam in the reams of unread email, unanswered, out of date.

Half an hour later I’m screaming at my laptop because Facebook published something I wasn’t ready to publish, and now the world knows I’m an idiot. My blood pressure surely must be maxed out. Anger, frustration and embarrassment: I can’t remember how to Tweet.

What’s going on here? I can’t live happily without it but it makes me crazy, robs me of sleep, and belittles me globally. Why do I do it to myself? Why?

Because I’m a human obsessively in love with a digital device, a non-human vice. I’m addicted. I’m conflicted. I’m normal.

So I offer my ode to the code:

Take me back – I’ll behave

Just don’t ever leave me again.

I missed you my friends,

Google Earth and Hulu

I need my YouTube, blog and Lulu

You justify my ends.

I know I need help,

But what about Yelp?

Stay with me now;

Promise I’ll use PayPal.

Take me back – I’ll behave

just don’t ever leave me again.

BuzzNet Tags: internet addiction,Niki Chanel,internet problem,no internet access

Why You Should Always Carry a Corkscrew

Recently I was at the J. Paul Getty museum with some art friends. The occasion was memorable for many reasons; a few of this group I had not seen for a many years, others I was meeting for the first time. I had never been to The Getty before and the skies were clear enough to see Catalina from the museum balconies. This was a day of firsts. (Those of you who know LA understand the Catalina thing.)

The exhibit I had gone to see was the Pacific Standard Time: Crosscurrents in LA. One of the ‘coolest’ pieces was Ed Ruscha’s 1968 painting, “The Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Fire”.

A funny blog on the subject of the paintings meaning can be found at LACMA.wordpress.com. At the time it was being painted, contemporary artists were angry over not being included in their city’s art scene – there was no place to display their work. Then the LACMA opened - a strict architectural box of a thing surrounded by a mote – very auspicious and not at all reminiscent of a place to expect modern art – still there was few openings for the local arts. The painting expressed the feeling of anger and frustration perfectly and hosted a very lively discussion from our group.

Another painting of interest to me was “A Bigger Splash” by Hockney. I had always thought that David Hockney had drizzled a bit of white paint on his canvas and made a few sweeping strokes to create the splash in the pool. Up close, in fact he had used a tool much like a fork to rake into the wet paint to achieve the splash. The fact that the viewer never gets to see who (or what) just entered the water has always been a delight for me.

Then there was lunch. Our group had managed to procure a private board room for our get-together but we had to go down stairs a couple of floors to get something to eat. Coming up in the elevator with trays of soup was hilarious; all of us agreed this scene should be in a movie.

Choosing my meal, I had taken a chance and purchased a $10 half bottle of cabernet sauvignon, agreeing to split it with a new acquaintance, but was unconvinced that this was a good idea. Just as one should never prepare a dish for the first time when company is about to arrive (it rarely works out well), the same I think, is true with wines. Shouldn’t one have already tasted and approved of a wine before serving it to guests, to avoid a fiasco? I have never heard of the cab, never seen its label and was more than a little concerned that I did not have a pocket aerator with me. A bad wine is often the reason a situation is remembered and I was not looking forward to this being one of them.

We made ourselves comfortable and tasted our lunch. Ah, the food is fabulous. Let’s try the wine.

Cork.

No corkscrew.

The investment of time away from my lunch date added worry to my insecurity. Why hadn’t I thought of this before leaving the cafeteria? However, in finding a sommelier I also found the restaurant. Elegant and inviting; artsy and upscale, though relaxed; I will definitely be returning.

Back in our private digs, we pour a bit into our glasses. Beautiful deep vampire red colour - you know, the one with a touch of maroon in it. The very little, but graceful nose tells me this will NOT be awful. There’s hope! Finally, the first sip; full bodied a bit spicy but subtle and well blended, and a lightly sweet aftertaste with a long peppery, astringent finish. We look at each other and I realize my wine lover friend had the same worries, and the same relief. “Mmmm, that’s good.” We agree. “What is this?” I turn the bottle around: Hahn. The label has a signature on it (not unlike my own penmanship) that says ‘Nicky Hahn’. Hey, my namesake! (Again, thank goodness it was a good choice.) Hmm, central coast, 2009. I make a mental note to get more of this. I picked up the cork to reseal the last portion and notice it is embossed with the winery’s website. I have heard some do this, but this is the first time I’ve seen it. Great idea; much easier to pop the cork in your pocket or handbag rather than the whole bottle if you have nothing to write with when you want to remember the wine.

As expected, the red elixir opened the conversation to a animated and enjoyable exchange and topped off a perfect day… truly a day of firsts.

Fishy Proposal

First, let me say I’m not a big fan of shellfish, but when this wine bottle suggested crab as a pairing possibility, I had to try it.

“Serve chilled with crab cakes, seared Ahi tuna on waffle crackers or fresh baked French bread and cheese” says the back label of my 2010 Cupcake chardonnay. Initially, I wondered just how dedicated they are to actual pairing, as everyone and their grandmother already know about the cheese thing even if cheese is the number one taste eliminator of subtle flavours in white wines. I mulling it over and decided to be impressed by the company’s attempt to educate its interested drinkers with these mini menus. Great idea!

Some of you may know that I’ve been flirting with Cupcake for weeks and though I’ve enjoyed it with many dishes, for some reason this exoskeleton proposal stuck in my mind.

You don’t think it could have anything to do with my arachnophobia, do ya?

Naaah…

So today I finally had enough nerve. The verdict? The wine was the best part of the pair.

However, I see what they mean; the delicate blend of distinct flavours of the Cupcake, being fruity to start with a long woody finish, were not overpowered by the Trader Joe’s Maryland crab cakes. Much like sniffing coffee between perfumes or ‘cleansing’ ones palette with pickled ginger before another bite of sushi, the chardonnay made it possible to get through the meal.

I’m trying the tuna next, though probably without the crackers. A mixed green salad complete with five minute egg on top, sliced open to drool out like a Hawaiian volcano is more my style.

But for those of you not in love with seafood, please, be my guest – move on to the cheese!

 

LiveJournal Tags: Cupcake Chardonnay,pairing,crab cakes,Niki Chanel,wine and cheese

Killing Children is NOT Okay

I had said last week that I planned to drink an Ancient Vines Mourvèdre from Cline Vineyards after a movie. The deal was to go with friends to see a Gerard Butler movie in Hollywood (that I knew nothing about), and the wine was to be a celebratory first viewing sort of thing.

But toasting was cancelled.

Of course the acting, writing and cinematography were excellent; the sets and scenes were authentic and in keeping with the situations. Lighting was superb and the action - electric. So why was no glass of wine raised to applaud?

Because the film “Machine Gun Preacher” was not meant to entertain, but to educate. A very sad lesson it was, too.

Gerard Butler plays Sam Childers, a reformed gang biker from Pennsylvania. His journey from the edge of self loathing to his role as guardian angle of abducted children in Uganda, Sudan and the Congo is told brilliantly. Writer Jason Keller and Director Marc Forster have carefully woven a tapestry of tragedy just merciful enough we don’t close our eyes to the problem, and skillful enough to help us understand that the truth is even more horrific than portrayed.

I am no international news journalist and don’t fully understand how things got this out of control in southern Sudan but it appears a high school drop-out named Joseph Kony believes he is a witch doctor and his misguided aim is to install a theocratic Ugandan government based on the Ten Commandments. Which commandments he thinks he is following are certainly not those we know of in the Western world - all of those have been broken repeatedly by him and his guerilla troops - one in particular ‘thou shall not kill’.

His army, currently called the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), attack innocent villagers who have nothing to do with politics, with no provocation and in the most vicious manner, then steal away into the night. They abduct children or kill them. The aim is to beef up their army with the frightened children using fear, threats, pain and death to manipulate them. Everything is taken from these kids - their parents often killed, their villages burned, their childhoods destroyed… My concern is when Kony is deposed, his ‘army’ will be in serious need of psychological help - and there may not be any. The ‘White Preacher’ doesn’t want to wait that long.

Sam Childers wrote a book titled “Another Man’s War” but it is all our war. The United States government has known about this problem since the ‘80s but has had intermittent intelligence from these remote areas in central Africa - not quite enough to go on. After 9/11, Kony’s LRA has been redefined as terrorists and efforts to stop his madness are underway. Reading about it from the ‘man on the street’ will give you a clearer view than I could paint; seeing the movie will be a hell of a wake up call, though I suspect you’re not asleep. It is worth the education.

It was my good fortune to meet with Sam Childers and Jason Keller in the lobby of the Arc Light theatre which I like to call the Dome. In the dim light I mistook Jason for Sam, but once I looked into Sam’s eyes I knew he’d had experiences far beyond our own. Jason explained that it took six years to bring this story to the screen. Once I’d seen the film I was heartbroken to realize how long this horror has been going on in the world. But Sam has a trick or two up his sleeve. One of them is a positive attitude. He surprised me by quoting some of his scriptures, like “In James 3, verse 12, G-d says a man must have only one wife, but he can have seven motorcycles.” He smiles with abandon. (There is no James 3.)

Later, in the hall leading to our seats before the last show is over, I’m walking past a few people standing along the wall. I step on someone’s foot and, turning to apologize, I fell into them. Looking up, my eyes adjusting to the dark, I recognize my victim; “Gerry?”

“Yes?” He leans to catch my fall.

I am forgiven for my clumsiness and we have a short conversation about his part in the project before he goes on stage to answer questions from the last audience.

See the movie. Buy the book. Save the children.

LiveJournal Tags: Gerard Butler,Machine Gun Preacher,Sam Childers,Uganda,Sudan,Congo,orphans

Grapes of Wrath ~ When Wine Tastes Bad

You know, not everybody is into wine. OK, I see the shock on your face, but hear me out.

Aside from the obvious reasons like religious practice, under aged youngsters, food allergies, psychological references and previous bad experiences and so on, there seems to be taste incongruence's from person to person. Taste is the discerning sense.

Unlike eyesight where we see and accept what we see, taste makes us wait a moment to decide if this nibble will please us. To make it more interesting we aren’t consistent with ourselves - we don’t always like the same foods; “I’m off shrimp.” or “I’m not in the mood for ice cream.” but you never hear, “I’m in the mood for a purple sunset.” Taste is so finicky that when the sommelier pours a tiny bit of wine for the customer to try, to be certain it pleases, I wonder if the should serve everyone at the table this way.

I have a friend that likes wine fine, but enjoys food far less spicy than I do. I was curious what she would think about an Italian red I had just purchased. I poured her a tiny bit and let her see, sniff, then sip…

Her face screwed up into a raisin, her eyes squeezed shut, and her lips puckered smaller and smaller, worrying me I might have to call 911. She shook her head, then again more vigorously. “No. No! I don’t like this at all.” I was not prepared with a spit bucket so was relieved when she had decided to swallow. It looked like a tough desicion, though.

The men that tried it, were ok with it but would refer to drink something else, and I was somewhat in the middle, leaning toward not liking it.

So, a few questions:

1. If it’s that hard to like, why does the vintner make it?
2. Are there cultural preferences that can dictate taste?
3. Can a vintner make a profit with only first time sales?
4. Wasn’t there anything they could do to make it taste better?
5. Why does ‘taste bad’ provoke a universal face of revulsion when ‘taste good’ is so personal - not universal at all?
6. How can something taste so bad without smelling that bad?
7. If it tastes bad, is it in bad taste?

If you’ve had wine at all, you’ve probably tasted wine you didn’t like, but was it you or was it the wine? How do you know? And if it’s the wine, is it bad for you? I mean, if you were to drink straight vinegar, it wouldn’t hurt you. So exactly what are our taste buds telling us? I’m open to input on the subject and I’m betting others would like to know, too. If you have any of the answers we are waiting for your response before we take another sip.

Oh, one last question: Could these be the origins of the spit bucket?

LiveJournal Tags: bad wine,sense of taste,tastes,Niki Chanel,vintners,involuntary response,spit bucket,wine sales